Measurements

Both Sexes

Length

24–33.1 in61–84 cm

Wingspan

53.9–60.2 in 137–153 cm

Weight

24.7–60 oz 700–1700 g

Other Names

Chouette lapone (French)

Cárabo lapòn (Spanish)

Cool Facts

Although the Great Gray Owl is the tallest American owl with the largest wingspan, it is just a ball of feathers. It preys on small mammals and has relatively small feet. Both the Great Horned and Snowy owls weigh half again as much, and have larger feet and talons.

The oldest recorded Great Gray Owl was at least 18 years, 9 months old and lived in Alberta.

Nest Placement

Behavior

Conservation

Great Gray Owl are negatively affected by logging and clearcutting, but there is little information on population trends. Partners in Flight estimates a global breeding population of 190,000 birds with 43% living in Canada, and 7% in the U.S. The species rates an 11 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score, and is not on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List.